Aisha Bowe first Bahamian woman in space made history on April 14, 2025, as part of Blue Origin’s all-female crewed suborbital flight. Launching aboard the New Shepard rocket, Bowe soared above the Kármán Line, embracing a moment that mirrored Alan Shepard’s 1961 pioneering journey — a mission that holds special meaning for her and the people of the Bahamas.
A Mission Rooted in Legacy and Heritage
Born of Bahamian descent, Bowe carried the Bahamian flag and honored her late grandfather from Exuma, using “Exuma” as her call sign. “Today, I had an opportunity to be on a flight that mimicked Alan Shepard’s trajectory,” she said, emotionally referencing Shepard’s unexpected splashdown in Grand Bahama in 1961.
Her grandfather, now 92, traveled from the Bahamas to witness her momentous journey, making the achievement all the more personal.
Breaking Barriers and Naysayer Predictions
In high school, Bowe’s counselor advised her to consider cosmetology, doubting her ability to succeed in aerospace. She defied those expectations, earning degrees in aerospace and space systems engineering, becoming a NASA rocket scientist, founding STEMBoard and LINGO, and advocating for STEM access for underrepresented communities.
A Crew of Pioneers and Celebrities
The Blue Origin New Shepard NS-11 mission featured six women, including pop star Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, researcher Amanda Nguyen, producer Kerianne Flynn, and Lauren Sánchez. Their 10.5-minute journey marked the first all-female spaceflight since Valentina Tereshkova‘s historic launch over 60 years ago.
Bowe’s Seat Marked a Milestone
With Seat 04, Bowe became the 100th person to fly on a private suborbital space mission, adding another layer of significance to her record-breaking journey.
“I will never be the same,” Bowe said after landing. “I’m ready to go back.”
